An Irishman is due to appear in court this morning charged with firearm offences in the UK.

Thomas Kavanagh, 51, will appear in court today after an investigation by the National Crime Agency.

A statement said: “Officers, supported by colleagues from An Garda Siochana and Staffordshire Police, conducted a number of searches and recovered a combination torch and stun gun which is illegal to own and possess in the UK.”

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Kavanagh, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to import and supply drugs, firearms and ammunitions, as well as money laundering, the NCA said.

He is due to appear at North Staffordshire Magistrates Court today.

The officers from both countries conducted a number of searches and recovered a combination torch and stun gun – which is illegal to own and possess in the UK.

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The NCA confirmed a 20-year- old man arrested who was alongside him at Birmingham Airport has been released under investigation.

A third man, aged 19, was also arrested and released under investigation.

The National Crime Agency statement added: “A 51-year- old man has been charged with possession of a Section 5 firearm after he was arrested yesterday as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into the supply of drugs and firearms in Ireland and the UK.

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"Thomas Kavanagh, of Tamworth, was detained as he arrived at Birmingham Airport, and arrested on suspicion of conspiring to import and supply drugs, firearms and ammunition, as well as money laundering.”

Gardai were photographed along with National Crime Agency officers going into the Dubliner’s home on Saturday.